Equileap, a leading organization providing data and insights on gender equality in the corporate sector, this week released the results of its annual global study and has ranked GM the No. 1 company in the world for gender equality in the workplace.

200 companies were named in the study as setting a "blueprint" for others to follow according to Equileap's CEO and co-founder Diana van Maasdijk. GM stands atop the list for many reasons, most notably because:

We’re currently the only company among the largest 20 in the U.S. that has both a female CEO and CFO.

We are one of just two global businesses that has pay equality in top, middle and bottom bands as well as no overall gender pay gap across the company.

We offer the option of flexible hours and flexible work locations. We also have policies to combat sexual violence at work and measures to improve supplier diversity.

Other leaders on the list include L’Oreal, Merck & Co., StarHub and JPMorgan Chase. In addition to being ranked the overall top company, GM was also ranked No. 1 in North America.

One of GM’s own executive leaders, Pierpaolo (Paolo) Antonioli, was on hand to participate in Equileap’s celebratory proceedings the evening of October 4.

Van Maasdijk noted, “True gender equality isn’t just about pay and the representation of women on boards — it’s a far more complex issue. This is why our research looks at 19 different factors including benefits such as shared parental leave. We want to see a level playing field for every employee, not just women.

“We are very honored to receive this distinguished award,” said Ken Barrett, global chief diversity officer, General Motors. “General Motors is focused on building a winning culture — one that provides opportunity and an environment that allows each employee to reach his/her highest potential. We understand that we win together as one team and share the responsibility of helping GM shape the future of mobility with the goal of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.”

We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued for who they are, and we continue to make progress to close the gender gap. This honor is a source of pride for the entire GM family as we celebrate the unique contributions that everyone brings to our “One Team” approach.